What is Mel[o]stem™?
Discover how Mel[o]stem™ not only treats dark and white spots but works to keep the skin’s pigment system in balance to reduce future damage
What is Mel[o]stem™?
Mel[o]stem™ is a cosmetic active derived from plant cell cultures of Monarda didyma (also known as scarlet beebalm, Oswego tea or bee balm). It is the first cosmetic active of its kind formulated to treat both dark spots and white spots caused by age and sun damage.
The ingredient works to support skin cells called melanocytes, which are the melanin-producing cells. This helps regulate the skin’s pigment system, reducing the chance of hyperpigmentation (including dark spots and patches) and hypopigmentation (including light skin patches and white spots) to maintain healthier-looking skin.
the market opportunity for cosmetic actives to manage age or sun-related skin pigmentation
As consumers prioritise healthy ageing and skin aesthetics, demand is accelerating for treatments that tackle melasma, acne marks, age spots, as well as other forms of hyperpigmentation caused by exposure to the sun.The category is also part of the growing ‘sunification’ of skincare. UV exposure is increasingly recognised as one of the primary drivers of premature ageing and uneven skin tone. As a result, sun protection is moving from a seasonal concern to a year-round pillar of skincare routines, and products are adapting to include ingredients that provide daily protection.
What is the science powering Mel[o]stem™?
Mel[o]stem™ is derived from a leaf cell culture of scarlet beebalm. Growing plant cells in controlled lab conditions yields purer, stronger doses of active nutrients, in this case, rosmarinic acid, which uniquely targets over-pigmented and under-pigmented areas to create a more even complexion.
Mel[o]stem™ works to support the healthy function of melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, which is responsible for skin colour and tanning.
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage these cells and disrupt their normal life cycle. This can cause them to become overactive and produce excess pigment that can cause age spots, dark spots and other pigmentation issues.
Rather than simply treating visible dark or white spots, Mel[o]stem™ helps the skin’s pigmentation system stay balanced, protecting the skin against the cumulative effects of sun exposure and reducing the appearance of age- and sun-related pigmentation to achieve healthier-looking skin with a more even tone over time.
Is Mel[o]stem™ helping to shape the future of skin rejuvenation?
Mel[o]stem™ takes a new approach to pigmentation care by shifting the focus from simply treating visible dark spots to supporting the skin’s natural pigment balance.
Clinical tests have delivered promising results with users of Mel[o]stem™ reporting a 64% improvement in complexion evenness compared to users of a placebo.
Studies also showed reductions in the intensity and unevenness of pigmentation, supporting its potential as both a preventative and corrective active for dermocosmetic skincare applications.
Its manufacture via plant cell culture also utilises 35-fold less water and 100-fold less land than conventional plant cultivation, tapping into increasing demand for more sustainable, nature-inspired ingredients.
Explore the biotech and trends creating innovative new actives for skincare and sun protection below.
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